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CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
June 11, 2025
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Mayor L. Anthony Beall, Mayor Pro Tempore Bradley J. McGirr, and Council Members Keri Lynn Baert, Anne D.
Figueroa and Jerry Holloway (5). Absent: None (0). The Salute to the Flag was led by Council Member Holloway.
1. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS
Jennifer Cervantez, City Manager, announced the following:
1.1 FLAG DAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2025, FROM 7:30 TO 8:30 P.M., LOCATED AT
THE CIVIC PLAZA
1.2 FIRE SAFETY AND PREPARDENESS COMMUNITY MEETING AND READINESS EXPO - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2025, FROM 4:00 TO 6:30 P.M., LOCATED AT
THE BELL TOWER REGIONAL COMMUNITY CENTER
City Manager Cervantez invited Wendi Redington, Community Services Manager, forward to announce the following:
1.3 CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY "25 YEARS" - SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2025, FROM 4:00 TO 8:00 P.M., LOCATED AT CENTRAL PARK
1.4 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES, LOCATED AT CENTRAL PARK FROM 6:00 TO 8:00 P.M.:
SUNDAY, JULY 6 - BIG ROCKSHOW
SUNDAY, JULY 13 - FLOCK OF 80's
SUNDAY, JULY 20 - THE ANSWER
SUNDAY, JULY 27 - REDNECK RODEO
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3 - WAYWARD SONS
SUNDAY, AUGUST 10 - SPINTOWN (School of Rock band at 4:00 p.m., Spintown band at 6:00 p.m. - Dreamers Market from 4:00-8:00 p.m.)
2. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
2.1 COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr announced he was honored to attend the Orange County Fire Authority's Best and Bravest Awards Dinner on Friday, May 30, 2025. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr congratulated the Battalion 7 Cadet of the Year, Ian Kane from Station No. 45.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 11, 2025
Council Member Figueroa thanked everyone who made their voices heard at the last ,,---; South Coast Air Quality Management District meeting regarding the proposed Amendment Rules 1111 and 1121 and shared that they were defeated.
Council Member Baert reported she attended the South Orange County Watershed Management Area Executive Committee meeting held on June 5, 2025. Council Member Baert announced the committee appointed Carol Moore with the City of Laguna Woods as Chair, and Doug Erdman with the South Coast Water District as Vice-Chair. Council Member Baert reported the committee received presentations on the Coastal Sediment Supplies, the Capistrano Beach Living Shoreline Project, and approved the Fiscal Year 2025-27 proposed Work Plan and Cost-Share Budget.
Council Member Baert reported she attended the e-Bike and Bicycle Safety Class held on May 24, 2025. Council Member Baert announced that RSM Cares is hosting an Exhibit of Artwork featuring artwork by Nevine Erian at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center through June 30th .
Mayor Beall announced the City Council will be adjourning tonight's meeting in memory of former Council Member Christy Riley. Mayor Beall shared how Christy Riley was involved in the community and expressed his condolences to the family.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr expressed his condolences to the Riley family.
2.2 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
1) FOOTHILL/EASTERN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
Mayor Beall announced he attended the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Authority (TCA) meeting held on May 8, 2025. Mayor Beall reported the TCA approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Budgets. Mayor Beall noted some of the key highlights of the budget is the early paydown bond principal for the San Joaquin Hills TCA, and the TCA also set aside funding to advance three capital improvement projects, 241/91 Express Connector, State Route 73 Catalina View Improvements, and State Route 241 Loma Improvements.
2) ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr announced he attended the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) meeting held on May 22, 2025. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr reported the OCFA reviewed the Fiscal Year 2025/26 proposed Budget. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr noted that part of the staffing enhancement budget is to add a Firefighter Paramedic position at Station 45 and will convert Truck 45 to a Paramedic Truck company to provide 24-hour staffing with paramedic positions.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr announced he had the pleasure of participating in a flyover of the County including the burn scar of the Airport Fire and shared a video of the flyover.
3) ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD
Council Member Figueroa announced the Orange County Public Library Advisory l \ Board (LAB) meeting was held on May 22, 2025. Council Member Figueroa __j reported the LAB is having a Summer Reading Challenge from June 16th to August 2 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Re ular Meeting Minutes June 11, 2025
3rd ; QC Public Libraries is offering a Kindergarten Readiness Program and a Career Online High School Program.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS- None.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Beall announced the following eComments:
Shawn Gordon regarding a sidewalk suggestion at Empresa and Banderas.
John A. regarding the ongoing illegal food vending operations. (two eComments) The following individuals addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Jaclyn Martin, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, inquired what the Council is doing to protect the community against the risk of fire and shared her concerns regarding illegal fireworks.
David Koning, City of Laguna Beach resident, shared his story regarding how he has half a heart; asked the City Council to have a group home for disabled individuals in the City.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr moved, seconded by Council Member Figueroa to approve the Consent Calendar (Item Nos. 5.1 through 5.10).
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Council Members Baert, Figueroa, Holloway, and Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr, Mayor Beall (5)
None (0)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
5.1 WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES ON THE AGENDA Waived reading in full of all ordinances on the agenda and declared that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.
5.2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved the following:
5.3 1) May 8, 2025 City Council Special meeting minutes; and 2) May 14, 2025 City Council Regular meeting minutes.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT - APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION OF AUTHORIZATION
TO DISPOSE OF CERTAIN CITY RECORDS (BUILDING PLANS DESTRUCTION) 3 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 11, 2025
Adopted Resolution No. 25-06-11-01 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
CLERK TO DISPOSE OF CERTAIN CITY RECORDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE CITY'S RECORD RETENTION SCHEDULE
5.4 APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS DATED MAY 12, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2025
Approved the warrant registers totaling $2,043,034.58.
5.5 INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2025
Received and filed the Investment Report for the month of April 2025.
5.6 AGREEMENT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES WITH THE COUNTY OF ORANGE
1) Approved an agreement with the County of Orange for law enforcement services for an amount not-to-exceed $12,486,050 for Fiscal Year 2025/26; and 2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed agreement for law enforcement services with the County of Orange.
5.7 APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) MAINTENANCE AND
REPAIR SERVICES WITH HARBOR POINTE AIR CONDITIONING AND CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC.
1) Approved a proposed Maintenance Services Agreement with Harbor Pointe Air Conditioning and Control Systems, Inc. (HVAC) in the total maximum not-to-exceed contract amount of $150,183.25 for an initial five-year term; and 2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed HVAC Maintenance Services Agreement with Harbor Pointe Air Conditioning and Control Systems, Inc.
5.8 APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ARDURRA GROUP, INC. FOR TRAFFIC ENGINEERING CONSUL TING
SERVICES
1) Approved a proposed On-Call Professional Services Agreement with Ardurra Group, Inc. (Ardurra) for Traffic Engineering Consulting Services for an initial threeyear term in the maximum, not-to-exceed contract amount of $450,000; and 2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed On-Call Professional Services Agreement with Ardurra.
5.9 APPROVAL OF PROPOSED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS WITH l _II DUDEK AND INTERWEST CONSULTING GROUP, INC., FOR ON-CALL CIVIL _
ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION CONSUL TING
SERVICES
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 11, 2025
1) Approved a proposed Professional Services Agreement with Dudek for On-Call Civil Engineering Construction Management and Inspection Consulting Services for an initial three-year term in the maximum, not-to-exceed contract amount of $125,000; and
2) Approved a proposed Professional Services Agreement with lnterwest Consulting Group, Inc. (lnterwest), for On-Call Civil Engineering Construction Management and Inspection Consulting Services for an initial three-year term in the maximum, not-to-exceed contract amount of $125,000; and
3) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed Professional Services Agreements with Dudek and lnterwest.
5.10 CITY REPRESENTATIVE REPORT FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY MOSQUITO AND
VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT
Received and filed the report submitted by the City Council's appointed representative to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR - None.
6. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
6.1 PUBLIC HEARING IN COMPLIANCE WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 2561, A REPORT ON
THE STATUS OF VACANCIES, RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION EFFORTS Mayor Beall introduced Cheryl Kuta, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director, who provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council questions of staff; there were none.
Mayor Beall opened the public hearing; seeing no one present to speak, subsequently closed the public hearing.
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council discussion and deliberation; there were none.
Mayor Beall moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr to approve the staff recommendation to receive and file the report.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Council Members Baert, Figueroa, Holloway, and Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr, Mayor Beall (5)
None (0)
None (0)
None (0)
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 11, 2025
6.2 ADOPTION OF OPERATING BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26
Mayor Beall introduced City Manager Cervantez who invited Stefanie Turner, Finance Director, and Joe Parco, Public Works Director/City Engineer, both of whom presented the budget.
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council questions of staff regarding General Fund Expenditures.
Council Member Figueroa inquired if the Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) program will have an annual subscription fee and asked Captain Dwayne Chapple, Chief of Police Services, to share how often OCSD utilizes the ALPR system.
Mayor Beall noted that there have been months of preparation of the budget and tonight it is before the Council for adoption. Mayor Beall provided an overview of the expenditure allocation regarding law enforcement and noted the City is a structural fire fund City with the OCFA. Mayor Beall noted public safety is and will continue to be the Council's number one priority.
Council Member Holloway shared that former Council Member Riley's imprint is in the City from her contributions early on.
Finance Director Turner continued the PowerPoint presentation on the General Fund budget.
City Manager Cervantez commented that the City has a healthy reserve balance and it is a testament to the Council's conservative nature and ability to manage the finances.
Mayor Beall concurred with City Manager Cervantez' comments.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Parco presented the Capital Improvement Program PowerPoint.
Mayor Beall opened the Public Hearing, seeing no one present, closed the Public Hearing.
Mayor Beall opened the item for Council discussion and deliberation.
Council Member Holloway thanked staff for all their work on the budget, commended the OCSD and encouraged residents to shop and dine in the City.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr thanked staff for another extensive budget and is supportive of the budget.
Council Member Figueroa thanked Finance Director Turner, City Manager Cervantez and staff for all their work on the budget and noted she is proud of the budget.
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Council Member Baert thanked Finance Director Turner, Public Works Director/City I j Engineer Parco, and City Manager Cervantez for going through the budget with her. -- Council Member Baert shared she is excited that the OCSD's budget includes eBikes. 6 u
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 11, 2025
Mayor Beall noted that no one should ever take the City's fiscally strong budget for granted.
Mayor Beall moved, seconded by Council Member Baert to approve the following staff recommendations:
Adopted Resolution No. 25-06-11-02 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGET AND
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26
Adopted Resolution No. 25-06-11-03 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A SEVEN-YEAR CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM IN CONFORMANCE WITH RENEWED MEASURE M (M2) REQUIREMENTS
Adopted Resolution No. 25-06-11-04 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FUNDING TO THE RSM CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE TO SUPPORT RANCHO FAMILY FEST AND THE RANCHO
SANTA MARGARITA BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Adopted Resolution No. 25-06-11-05 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Council Members Baert, Figueroa, Holloway, and Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr, Mayor Beall (5)
None (0)
None (0)
None (0)
7. NEW BUSINESS
7.1 PROPOSED RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING CLASSES OF REGULAR
EMPLOYMENT, SALARY RANGES, AND BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES WITH THE CITY AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 24-06-12-10
Mayor Beall introduced Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Kuta who provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council questions of staff. 7 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
Cit Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 11, 2025
Council Member Holloway inquired about the number of employees that have left ,l;,-l within the last year, what the retention looks like and future recruitment. Council Member Holloway asked if the City has difficulties recruiting new employees and if there are enough quality candidates based on what the City pays.
Council Member Holloway moved, seconded by Council Member Figueroa to approve the following staff recommendation:
Adopted Resolution No. 25-06-11-06 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING CLASSES OF REGULAR
EMPLOYMENT, SALARY RANGES, AND BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES WITH THE CITY AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 24-06-12-10
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Council Members Baert, Figueroa, Holloway, and Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr, Mayor Beall (5)
None (0)
None (0)
None (0)
7.2 INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF A PROPOSED ORDINANCE RELATED
TO CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
Mayor Beall introduced Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Kuta who invited Jason McEwen, Assistant City Attorney, forward to provide a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council questions of staff.
Council Member Figueroa inquired how many other cities in south Orange County have adopted an anti-camping ordinance; inquired if an individual would be warned prior to a fine being levied.
Council Member Holloway asked what the latest homeless count is; asked Assistant City Attorney McEwen to describe the process for enforcement; inquired with Captain Chapple regarding the warning and citation process.
Mayor Beall inquired if there is a timeframe that must expire to constitute camping, asked who a member of the public should call for enforcement. Mayor Beall stated the City adopted an ordinance with respect to illegal street vendors and was curious if this local ordinance could add additional enforcement mechanisms for those that come into town to sell food illegally to the public. Mayor Beall asked about the enforcement process in relation to eviction.
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council discussion and deliberation.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr provided a brief background on the Martin v. City of Boise case and the City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson case. Mayor Pro Tempore 8 lJ
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 11, 2025
8. 9.
McGirr noted that the goal of adopting an anti-camping ordinance is to provide outreach and assistance to the community.
Council Member Baert shared she supports the proposed anti-camping ordinance because it will provide our law enforcement officers with a necessary and lawful tool to maintain the safety, cleanliness and accessibility of the City's public places. Council Member Baert expressed the ordinance balances enforcement with compassion by allowing continued outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Council Member Figueroa read aloud the following sentence within the staff report, "The purpose of the proposed ordinance is to establish clear regulations on camping and storage of personal property in public areas, while allowing the City to continue its efforts to provide unsheltered individuals with homeless outreach services." Mayor Beall shared that he has great sympathy and compassion for those experiencing homelessness and is thankful that there are resources available for the homeless. Mayor Beall noted that the City needs to look out for the community.
Michael Daudt, Deputy City Attorney, read by title only, and waived further reading of the ordinance.
Council Member Figueroa moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr to approve the following staff recommendation:
Introduced for first reading, read by title only, and waived further reading of an Ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA,
CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 6.13 (CAMPING IN PUBLIC AREAS) TO TITLE 6 (PUBLIC SAFETY AND WELFARE) OF THE RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO CAMPING ON PUBLIC
PROPERTY, AND AMENDING SECTION 12.02.030 AND CHAPTER 12.06 (SLEEPING IN VEHICLES) OF TITLE 12 (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) OF THE
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO SLEEPING
IN VEHICLES
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Council Members Baert,
McGirr, Mayor Beall (5)
None (0)
None (0)
None (0)
CONTINUED ITEMS- None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Figueroa, Holloway, and Mayor Pro Tempore
J ' •
The following individual addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 11, 2025
Amber Bloomer, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, inquired where she can find the budget detail online and suggested the City consider video record meetings in a cost-effective manner.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT - None.
11. MATTERS PRESENTED BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Council Member Holloway shared that he called the OCFA and requested a safety fire check of his home which was done free of charge.
Council Member Holloway requested recognizing Anthony Moise and Richard Reese for all that they have done for the City, he requested staff look into recognition options that could possibly be presented at a summer concert.
City Manager Cervantez stated that before staff gathers information on commemorating Mr.
Moise and Mr. Reese, she would need direction by the City Council since it will be over her procurement authority.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr expressed his support to look into recognizing Mr. Moisa and Mr.
Reese and suggested the RSM Cares Arts program to reach out to schools.
Council Member Figueroa also expressed support for the recognition and asked staff to come back with different permanent options.
Deputy City Attorney Daudt cautioned the Council on any further discussion since it is not an agendized item.
Mayor Beall observed a moment of silence for Christy Riley before adjourning the meeting in her memory.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Beall adjourned the meeting at 8:56 p.m. in memory of Christy Riley,' to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, located at 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Sant Margarita, California. ~
PREPARED BY:
F AM· ~~DIAZ, C!·TY CLERK ~
Approved: June 25, 2025
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